Chunky Vegetable-Beef Soup
A hearty chunky vegetable-beef soup featuring tender stew meat, fresh vegetables, and savory tomato broth, perfect for comforting family meals or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. lean stew meat
- 1 tsp. natural meat browning and seasoning ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomato wedges (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. leaf marjoram ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from meat; cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Place meat in a 2 to 2 1/2-quart casserole.
- Sprinkle with natural meat browning and seasoning powder.
- Microwave uncovered on high for 4 to 4 1/2 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink.
- Add sliced carrots, sliced celery, sliced onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, water, and condensed beef bouillon to the casserole.
- Cover with lid and microwave on high for 7 to 8 minutes, or until mixture boils.
- Stir the mixture, then microwave on low (30%) for 30 minutes, or until vegetables are just tender.
- Combine cornstarch with some liquid from the tomatoes to make a slurry.
- Add tomato wedges and cornstarch mixture to the hot soup, stirring well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat in a skillet before adding it to the casserole. If you don't have natural meat browning and seasoning, a mix of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce can work as a substitute. Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or potatoes for added nutrition and variety. To enhance the taste, you might also sprinkle in some Italian herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Peggy'S Stew for a cozy gathering. For a touch of freshness, consider garnishing with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese. This soup also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Vegetable-Beef Soup contains roughly 869 calories, with 17g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and potassium (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1261mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this soup?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute. Just add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they don't overcook. This helps retain their texture and flavor. Keep in mind that frozen vegetables may release extra moisture, so you might need to adjust the liquid in the recipe.
How do I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or add a small amount of instant mashed potatoes. Another option is to puree a portion of the soup in a blender, then stir it back in to achieve a thicker consistency. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly after thickening.
What can I substitute for beef bouillon?
If you don't have beef bouillon on hand, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute. Just be aware that this may alter the flavor profile slightly. For a richer taste, you can also add a splash of soy sauce or a tablespoon of miso paste to enhance the umami flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).